A letter of intent was signed by the Yantai municipal government and the Padawan Municipal Council (PMC) on Nov 17 to affirm their commitment toward establishing a friendly cooperation in culture and tourism, so as to deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the two cities.

The PMC is a local authority that administers the Padawan municipality of the Kuching District, Sarawak, Malaysia.

According to the letter of intent, the two parties have pledged to work more closely together in exploring, spreading and supporting opportunities for a more prosperous and thriving future for both cities.

Chi Ruowei, associate consultant of the Foreign Affairs and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of Yantai Municipal People's Government, led a five-member delegation on a work tour to Kuching. The delegation visited the PMC headquarters at Kota Padawan on Nov 17.

Lo Khere Chiang, chairman of the PMC, said that he was confident that the partnership would open up more opportunities in multiple sectors for the benefit of both cities.

"This collaboration will bring more than just cultural exchanges, as Kuching and Sarawak as a whole have great potential in terms of tourism, trade and agriculture. Our tourism sector can be further explored and expanded. Our tourism products are exceptional because our natural and cultural resources have provided opportunities for extraordinary adventures," Lo said.

The PMC chairman was looking forward to securing cooperation with Yantai city to ensure the socio-economic growth of both Yantai and Kuching cities.

"I hope the Yantai delegation have a good impression of our city, despite a short visit, and I look forward to paying Yantai city a visit, possibly in February of next year when we expect to sign another agreement," Lo added.

Chi said that the short visit provided them an opportunity to experience the rich diversity of Kuching and to explore opportunities for collaboration.

"Yantai is located at the northeast of East China's Shandong province. Like Sarawak, Yantai lies along the coastline and is an important city in China for commerce and industry. It has a large population with a land size about 20 times that of Singapore," Chi said.

Chi also invited the Padawan Municipal Council to send 30 youths to visit Yantai to join in their yearly cultural festival to enhance understanding and strengthen existing ties between the two cities.